Put your best foot forward

Usually, the time control of this format is from 60+30 seconds onwards for this reason one game can last between 4 or 5 hours, it can be exhausting to play the tournament and even more if you’re not prepared.
I’ll write some advice to get your better chance of having a good tournament

• If you sign up for a Tournament, at least put some effort : I know this sounds obvious, why would anyone sign up in a classical tournament if I’m not going to at least try? I’ve known many people that don’t even bother to study their main lines, In this format chess players have plenty of time to think, in other chess formats (ex. Rapid or blitz) you may blundered or even overlook a move, and you might still save the game regardless, but in this format that may not happen especially if there is money prize.

• Analyze carefully: Every turn you need ask yourself the following questions, what’s the purpose of this move? Where is that piece going? What was doing this piece and now that they move it what’s that piece doing now? If I play this move it is safe? What is the best possible response that my opponent can play? If them play x or y, would I be able to respond to the threat? If you play careless for even a move you may get intro troubles, you got enough time

• If you blunder or overlook a move: Keep fighting! I’ve seen people resigning right away after things goes south for them, think about Strong players, they put a lot of resistance even when they’re losing! So don’t be discouraged by one a couple of mistakes, remember that anything can happen

• Don’t rush it: If you see a possible trade or move, don’t play it right away, even if it seems obvious, instead use the rule of Capablanca look for something better, especially look for intermediate moves, remember only when you give checks is when your opponent is forced to respond

• Use your best pokerfaced: Many players when they blunder or make a bad move, they show that they feel uncomfortable, some make faces other move their legs, or grab their faces, if you blunder don’t show any emotion, keep a straight relaxed face, many times we’re oversharing how we feel without knowing it thus making it easier for our opponent to read our body language and we may accidently help them to spend a little bit more time in the position

• Know the rules: you need to know about the touching move, how to claim a draw etc. many players take this type of tournament very seriously and want to score a point not matter what, 2 ilegals moves and you're out, so watch out for your moves and your opponent's,Take for example what happened to Nakamura

• Know your stuff: Wherever you’re a E4, E5, Sicilian, English players etc. you should totally know the general plans of your opening, not only the principal lines but also traps within the opening and the weakness of your opening, it would be painful to lost a game or miss a winning move just because you didn't do your homework

Finals words, Classical Tournaments can be fun but also very demanding, take care of your sleep and bring snacks and water